A trio of models wearing gas masks stormed London Fashion Week on behalf of the often-controversial organization PETA to bring to light the potentially carcinogenic chemicals in fur. A recent German study found that there were unsafe levels of toxic chemicals in fur trim on clothing, particularly formaldehyde and ethoxylates, which are used to prevent the fur from rotting. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions, act as carcinogens, and be disruptive to hormone production and reproductive organs.

While many organizations have tried to bring ethical fashion, which includes a goal to eliminate animal cruelty, to the mainstream. PETA’s stance is to firmly remain on the fringes, while ensuring their viewpoints are on everyone’s mind, sometimes in shocking ways. Their stunt at London Fashion Week is just one of many.

The question here is whether it is better to follow PETA’s model of shock and awe (and glitz with many celebrity supporters) or the comparatively tame versions adopted by organizations such as Fashion Revolution Day, which included people wearing their clothes inside out to show their labels, or Jessica Alba’s Honest Company, which tries to bring ethical fashion to a mainstream audience through traditional media channels.

Perhaps it is a mix of the two – with the mainstream-friendly approaches applicable to those at the cusp of embracing ethical fashion and the shock-and-awe approach for those he need a push in the right direction.

All that being said, PETA does do a fabulous job of getting the media attention they need to bring this topic to everyone’s lips and camera lens’.

Valentine’s Day has come and gone but it doesn’t mean the love has to stop. This year, as you show your appreciation to your friends and loved ones, consider how you can be ethical and sustainable in your gifts and ideas.

The Beatles couldn’t have been more right they said, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” Sometimes, it takes the kindness of a friend, or a stranger who chooses to become a friend, to help and individual get by:

We at Shopanthropic believe that Valentine ’s Day is a chance to spread kindness not just to your special someone but to those who you have a chance to be friends to, in your own backyard or half-way around the world.

We at Shopanthropic believe in the power of numbers. There’s a reason friends is plural. The more friends = the more help = a bigger difference.

One of the biggest qualms fashionistas have about ethical fashion is that it costs too much and that it isn’t affordable for the masses. Compared to the ultra-low price alternative of fast fashion, this is likely true. However, maybe our view on what is affordable and what isn’t is skewed in the first place.

Given the high environmental and social impact the production of fast fashion has, maybe the cost of ethical fashion is the actuality of what fashion should cost. If paying people fair wages and treating them ethically, providing communities with opportunities to grow and protecting the environment means our clothes cost a more realistic value, is this not a fair price to pay?

If we only bought clothes and accessories when we need them (and not just when we see something with a really low price tag), ethical fashion would likely not cost us extra. In fact, by adopting a quality over quantity ideology, maybe we would actually save money.

How do we do this? Some ideas include:

· Focusing less on seasonality and more on items that can be worn year-round

· Trading clothes with friends or buying second-hand

· Purchasing clothes that are made from materials that do not wear out easily and caring for your existing clothing in the proper manner

· Considering your wants versus your needs when it comes to fashion

Last but not least, changing of mindset around affordability of ethical fashion requires active discussion, debate and advocacy. Ethical fashion does not have to cost an arm and a leg, and it’s a matter of changing perspectives for us to realize that.

Consider buying accessories that can work well with clothing for all seasons, like this neutral envelope clutch that pairs well with a jacket or a lighter summer outfit

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The Bay & Harbour Blog

Bay & Harbour is the brainchild of a Toronto-based mother/daughter team with an eye for trend-setting, unique and high-quality fashion & lifestyle products.

The pair is inspired by different cultures, handicraft techniques, discrete designs, and fashion trends from their travels around the world. Bay & Harbour as their outlet to share that love of design with others.

The Bay & Harbour collections feature a variety of accessories & lifestyle products for both men & women.

The co-founders are passionate about fashion with a cause. Many of the Bay & Harbour collections also include pieces that are sustainable and / or ethically made.